 |
Safety and Health Topics: |
|
| Isobutane |
|
General Description
Synonyms: 2-Methylpropane
OSHA IMIS Code Number: K105
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 75-28-5
NIOSH, Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: TZ4300000
Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: 1075 115; 1969 115
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Isobutane: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more
Exposure Limits
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 800 ppm, 1900 mg/m3 TWA
Health Factors
Potential symptoms: Drowsiness, narcosis, shortness of breath; asphyxia; frostbite from contact with liquid.
Health Effects: Asphyxiant (HE17); Narcosis (HE8); Acute toxicity---sudden death (ventricular fibrillation) (HE4).
Affected organ: CNS
Notes: 1) OSHA does not have a PEL for isobutane, which is affirmed as "generally recognized as safe" as a direct human food ingredient (21 CFR 184.1165). No toxic effects reported below 18,000 ppm. 2) Gas/air mixtures are explosive. 3) Metabolized in the body to tert-butyl alcohol.
Date Last Revised: 02/18/2004
Literature Basis:
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Isobutane.
- International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): Isobutane.
- Fuke, C., et al.: A fatal case considered to be due to cardiac arrhythmia associated with butane inhalation. Leg. Med. (Tokyo) 4(2): 134-138, 2002.
- Galvin, J.B. and Bond, G.: Isobutane CAS# 75-28-5. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health, Part A 58(1-2): 3-22, 1999.
- Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Butanes. In, Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 1. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 386-388.
- Rohrig, T.P.: Sudden death due to butane inhalation. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 18(3): 299-302, 1997.
- Tsukamoto, S., Chiba, S., Muto, T., Ishikawa, T. and Shimamura, M.: Study on the metabolism of volatile hydrocarbons in mice-propane, n-butane, and iso-butane. J. Toxicol. Sci. 10(4): 323-332, 1985.
Monitoring Methods used by OSHA
Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:
On-Site Sampling Techniques/Methods:
-
device: Detector Tube
manufacturer: AUER/MSA
model/type: Propane-200, MSA P/N 804418, AUER P/N 5086-831
sampling information: follow manufacturer's instructions
upper measurement limit: 4200 ppm
detection limit: approximately 100 ppm
overall uncertainty: unknown
method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)
-
device: Detector Tube
manufacturer: Gastec
model/type: 103
sampling information: 0.5 to 3 strokes
upper measurement limit: 1.7%
detection limit: approximately 0.02%
overall uncertainty: 16%
method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)
-
device: Detector Tube
manufacturer: Gastec
model/type: 104
sampling information: 1 stroke
upper measurement limit: 3080 ppm
detection limit: approximately 10 ppm
overall uncertainty: 16%
method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)
-
device: Detector Tube
manufacturer: Matheson-Kitagawa
model/type: 8014-113SB
sampling information: 1 stroke
upper measurement limit: 1200 ppm
detection limit: approximately 25 ppm
overall uncertainty: unknown
method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)
* All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
|
| |
|
 |
|
Back to Top
www.osha.gov
